From Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
The game of Badminton in Nigeria welcomed new breakthrough talents at the Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC Badminton Tournament at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, when Anambra State surprisingly achieved the feat of becoming the first Southeast state to get into the medal tables in many years.
The Anambra State team made up of Nawchukwu Favour, Anikwe Jovita, Agu David, Uzoukwu Anthony and Queen Chibuzor astounded their more fancied opponents with their plucky display in the October event.
The pair of Jovita Anikwe and Queen Chibuzor won the bronze medal in the mixed doubles after a relentless display of inspired badminton.
The gifted Nwachukwu Favour was quite unfortunate in losing out at the stage of the quarter-finals in the men’s singles event.
The badminton enthusiast, Vitus Akudinobi, argues that the Anambra State team will do wonders with a little more encouragement and coaching.
According to Akudinobi, “The Anambra players are quite talented and determined. They can rule the world if offered the privileges which players in Lagos get. They are unafraid to go for their shots. With more experience, they can conquer Nigeria and indeed Africa.”
Henry Ezike, MFR, ace philanthropist rewarded the players for their efforts at the end of the championship. He promised them the donation of more kits and feather shuttle support in the future.
It is thus incumbent on other states in the eastern wing of the country to follow the lead of Anambra State to give a national spread to the growth of badminton in the country.
The Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC badminton tournament at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, was indeed an eye-opener following the exploits of the Anambra State players.
